Bob Dylan sells his entire back catalogue to Sony

Virgin Radio

25 Jan 2022, 09:21

The legendary artist has said he is “glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong” after sealing a deal worth millions of dollars. 

The agreement sees Sony snap up all of Bob Dylan’s master recordings, from his seminal albums from the 1960s, starting with his self-titled debut, right the way up to his newest LP, 2020's Rough And Rowdy Ways.

And the deal continues into the future as well, with Dylan and Sony set to collaborate on a range of projects, including catalogue reissues. The deal promises “multiple future new releases”.

The agreement, which was announced yesterday (January 24th), was actually signed and sealed last year. Whilst no value has been officially announced, Variety reported that the deal was worth somewhere between $150 million (£111m) and $200 million (£148m).

Born Robert Zimmerman in Minnesota, Dylan has sold more than 125m records worldwide, and, in 2016, became the first songwriter to be awarded the Nobel prize in literature. The 11-time Grammy-winner is renowned for his folk protest songs, and had hits with songs such as Like A Rolling Stone, Mr Tambourine Man, and Subterranean Homesick Blues.  

Bob Dylan first signed to Sony’s Columbia Records all the way back in 1961.

Sony chairman Rob Stringer said: “Columbia Records has had a special relationship with Bob Dylan from the beginning of his career and we are tremendously proud and excited to be continuing to grow and evolve our ongoing 60-year partnership. 

“Bob is one of music’s greatest icons and an artist of unrivaled genius. The essential impact he and his recordings continue to have on popular culture is second to none and we’re thrilled he will now be a permanent member of the Sony Music family. We are excited to work with Bob and his team to find new ways to make his music available to his many fans today and to future generations.”

In a statement, Dylan added: “Columbia Records and Rob Stringer have been nothing but good to me for many, many years and a whole lot of records. I'm glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong."

Meanwhile, the 80-year-old shows no signs of slowing down, as this week he announced new US tour dates as part of a worldwide tour which is expected to continue until 2024.